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As Utahns plan road trips for the long July Fourth weekend, officials are warning them to expect delays on some key stretches of freeway. They also urge caution on what are expected to be some of the deadliest days on highways.

The Utah Department of Transportation projects that the busiest times on roads this weekend will be on Thursday between noon and 7 p.m., as many try to get an early start on a long weekend, said UDOT spokesman John Gleason.

Traffic also is projected to be extra heavy on Saturday night after fireworks shows from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Gleason said UDOT will be adjusting the timing of traffic signals and freeway ramp meters during those and other times to help the traffic flow.

UDOT also will partner with Orem and Provo to help manage traffic from the large Stadium of Fire event at BYU. But motorists attending that event are encouraged to avoid construction on Orem Center Street, and use 800 North or University Parkway as alternates.

The Utah Transit Authority also is offering late bus and train service on July Fourth. Specific schedule details are available online at rideuta.com.

UTA's Independence Day service is designed to offer service home from community events such as the Sugar House fireworks, the Real Salt Lake game and fireworks show and the Salt Lake Bees game and fireworks show. Service will be provided after Sandy City fireworks, but not after its post-fireworks concert.

UDOT also urges motorists to be aware of two projects that could slow travel — even though most of its construction will be suspended over the long weekend.

Gleason warns that Interstate 80 is reduced to one lane in each direction in Summit County between the U.S. 40 interchange and Wanship. All traffic has been shifted into the eastbound lanes, and traffic has been reduced to 45 miles per hour. UDOT says drivers should consider Interstate 84 as an alternate.

The restrictions in Summit county are scheduled to remain through fall as crews reconstruct the freeway there with concrete pavement.

Also, northbound lanes on Interstate 15 have been split into two sections near the Point of the Mountain between State Road 92 in Lehi and 14600 South in Bluffdale. That allows construction in the middle of the road between the two sets of lanes.

Drivers wanting to exit at 14600 South should stay to the right through the lane split. Because of narrowed and shifting lanes, the speed limit has been reduced there to 55 mph.

More than 3 million Mountain West residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home this weekend, according to a study by the AAA travel services company. That would be a slight decrease of 0.1 percent from last year.

"Despite recent spikes in fuel prices, this upcoming three-day weekend provides a welcomed pause for those planning a holiday road trip," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson.

AAA is offering a free tow for drivers who have been drinking. It will be available between 6 p.m. on July Fourth and 6 a.m. the following morning. It is available by call 1-800-AAA-HELP and asking for a "tipsy tow."

The National Safety Council estimates that 409 deaths and 49,500 injuries requiring medical attention will occur on the nation's highways this weekend, so it is urging extra caution.

"A few precautions can help ensure a memorable weekend. Spending the holiday with the family is preferable to spending time in the emergency room," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council.

Among its recommendations are wearing seat belts. It estimates that will save 155 lives this weekend — and that an additional 99 could be saved if everyone buckled up.

The council also recommends reducing speed, refraining from using cellphones while driving, ensuring that children are in age-appropriate safety seats, and avoiding drinking and driving.